During investigations, accurate notes serve as what?

• A. Decorative additions
• B. Minor details only
• C. Reliable evidence in court and support for further investigations
• D. Something that should be kept separate from the report

Answer: (C)

Accurate notes provide a contemporaneous, objective record that can be relied on in court and used to guide ongoing investigations. Because they capture who, what, where, when, and why as events unfold, they form reliable evidence that can be questioned, corroborated, or presented in legal proceedings. This documentation also supports future investigative steps by outlining leads, timelines, and decisions, giving investigators a solid factual foundation to build on. Notes should be factual and complete rather than decorative or trivial, and they belong in the case file alongside the report to maintain consistency and traceability.